All Sites Licensed by PGCB * MyTopCasino is my top pick for PA online casino gaming with a generous welcome bonus, excellent games, and more. * 21Casino has live dealers and unique games that can’t be found anywhere else. * BetMGM offers high stakes players lucrative VIP rewards and cashback promotions. * DraftKings stands out as one of the top Pennsylvania gambling sites with its wide range of casino and sports betting options. * Caesars is PA has a great selection of live dealer table games and comes from a reputable brand. Most people are surprised at how many online casinos there are in Pennsylvania – there are currently more than 15 legal online casinos you can play at. That number will likely grow in the coming years too as legislation evolves and more brands apply for licenses. In this guide, I’ve not only ranked the top-rated PA gambling sites, but I’ve also reviewed the legal landscape, explained how we rank casinos, and given tips on how to pick your own legal PA online casino. The best online casinos in PA offer much more than just a gambling license and e-wallet deposits/withdrawals. Reputable brands have a large selection of slots, table games, and live dealer games from many different developers.
Grand Rush Casino Sister Sites That You Should Check OutThey also have bonuses with low wagering requirements, and mobile apps that work well with iPhones and Android devices.
You don’t need to check each site against this wishlist individually – I’ve done it for you. The reviews linked above go into detail about the pros and cons of each site, but if you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of my recommended PA online casinos.
Best Online Casino Sites in Pennsylvania
- MyTopCasino (Best Online Casino in Pennsylvania)
- 21Casino (Great Live Dealer Games & Unique Titles)
- BetMGM (Excellent VIP Rewards for High Stakes Players)
- DraftKings (Top Casino App in PA & Great Sports Betting Too!)
- Caesars (Reputable Brand with Live Dealer Table Games)
- STNPlay (Charity Casino Site Endorsed by Terrance Roberts)
- Hollywood Casino (Brand Name + Great Welcome Bonus)
- Oxon Casino (Generous Daily / Weekly Raffles)
- Wind Creek Casino (Simple Design + Quality Games)
- PokerStars Casino (Great for Low Limit Slots)
Life’s a Gamble: Don’t Use the Best PA Casino Apps to…
Now that you know which are the best online casino sites in Pennsylvania according to our , it might be a good idea to go over some basic do’s and don’ts. These iGaming platforms are highly secure and regulated, but you should still make sure to use them properly.
For example, you shouldn’t use the best PA gambling apps to avoid doing something you usually do on a desktop device or land-based casino—for the simple reason that some games aren’t compatible with mobile devices, and others require a bigger screen and better mouse and keyboard controls.
So, before you start playing at the , make sure to bear the following tips in mind:
- Don’t use mobile casino apps to play real money video slots if your mobile device doesn’t have a very good display; those games rely 100 percent on graphics to deliver their entertainment value, so a small or low-quality screen will ruin them.
- Do use mobile casino apps to play real money blackjack and other card games if you love that kind of game and don’t have access to a computer or land-based casino.
- Don’t use mobile casino apps to place complex sports bets unless you are confident you can handle such operations on a small screen; some sports bets can be quite complicated, and it is easy to make mistakes when you can’t see much at a glance.
- Do use mobile casino apps to check the latest odds and place simple single bets on your favorite sport if you like in-casino betting and follow sports closely; some apps even let you watch live streams of sporting events while you bet.
- Don’t use demo modes to practice playing a specific game if the game is available in multiple versions; you may end up learning the wrong strategies if you switch to a different version for real money.
- Do use demo modes to try different types of games and find the ones you like best; most PA casino apps offer demo modes, and they are a great way to learn the basics without risking any money.
- Don’t use casino apps to gamble if you are feeling depressed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs; always keep your emotions in check when gambling, no matter what type of game you are playing.
- Do use casino apps to socialize if you enjoy chatting with dealers and other players; some live dealer games allow you to talk to others and create a virtual gambling experience similar to the one you get in brick-and-mortar venues.
Those are mostly common sense tips, but sometimes common sense isn’t so common after all. We hope you found these suggestions useful, though, and that you will remember them the next time you decide to .
Tips How To Win at Online Slots - Casino SlovakiaAdvantages of Playing at the Best PA Online Casinos
If you’ve never played at an Internet casino in Pennsylvania before, you might be wondering why you should give it a try instead of sticking to local establishments or avoiding gambling altogether. Here are some reasons to consider.
Convenience
The main reason most people play at online casinos is because they are convenient. You can play your favourite games from home, on vacation, or even during your lunch break at work (if your employer allows you to do so). You don’t have to worry about driving to a land-based casino, finding a parking space, and dealing with crowds of people.
Wider Selection of Games
Online casinos offer a wider selection of games than most land-based casinos. This is because they don’t have the same limitations of space, and they can update their libraries at a lower cost than changing physical slot machines or hiring more dealers. You can typically find hundreds (or even thousands) of slots, table games, video poker machines, and other titles at an iGaming venue.
Bonuses and Promotions
Pennsylvania’s top-notch online casinos know that acquiring new customers is tougher online, so they offer attractive bonuses to entice you to open an account. Those gifts may include deposit matches, free spins, prize draws, rebates, VIP rewards, and other perks that will enhance your bankroll and your chances of winning big. Land-based casinos also offer bonuses, but they are typically smaller and less frequent.
Better Odds for Some Games
In some cases, the odds (or return to player rates, RTP) for certain games are better at online casinos. For instance, many web-based blackjack variants have an RTP of 99.4%, whereas the average for land-based casinos is closer to 99%. Slots also tend to have better RTPs online, whereas video poker machines often yield higher profits at brick-and-mortar establishments.
Live Dealers
Many people think that one of the biggest advantages of land-based casinos over their online counterparts is the presence of real dealers, but that is no longer true. Nearly all the nowadays, and the streaming quality is so good that it feels like you are really there. Moreover, live dealers provide the house edge for some games — such as roulette and blackjack — so being able to interact with them is a major plus for players.
How to Choose the Best PA Casino Online
Now that you know some of the benefits of gambling online, you might want to sign up right away at the first PA casino app you find. However, it is important to take your time and choose the site that best fits your needs and preferences.
Free Slots That Pay Real Money (2023 Best Sites) - Indivisible GamingEveryone looks for different things in a gambling venue, whether online or offline, so there is no such thing as “the best casino in Pennsylvania.” What matters is that you feel comfortable using a particular platform and that you have fun while gambling responsibly.
That said, there are some objective factors you should consider before creating an account. Our have been designed to assess iGaming sites according to general consensus, so any of the following elements could help you make up your mind:
- Game Library: If you want to play a specific game or type of game, then you should look for a site that offers it. Make sure the developer is reliable and the game has good reviews.
- Welcome Bonus: Most offer deposit matches, but they differ in terms of amount, validity period, wagering requirements, eligible games, and other conditions. Compare the gifts available in Pennsylvania and choose the one that provides the best value for money.
- Mobile Apps: You might want to use the best PA online casino apps to play on the go or simply prefer a sleeker mobile interface. Check out the features and compatibility of each app and pick the ones that allow you to enjoy your favourite games with few glitches.
- Payment Methods: Every has its owns, but most of them accept Visa, Mastercard, ACH bank transfers, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, cash at 7-Eleven, and one or more of Golden Nugget’s branded prepaid cards. See which method(s) suits you best in terms of availability, fees, processing times, and security.
- Loyalty Programs: Even if you are not a regular player yet, you might become one in the future. In that case, it would be nice to earn rewards for your bets, such as cashback, VIP service, tickets for events, and other perks. Compare the level and conditions of different loyalty programs to find the ones that fit your profile.
- Security Measures: All licensed online casinos in Pennsylvania are safe, but some go the extra mile to protect their customers’ data. Encryption protocols, two-factor authentication methods, identity verification procedures, and segregated funds are some of the security measures you may find at a .
- Customer Service: No matter how experienced you are, you are bound to run into questions or problems sooner or later. When that happens, you will appreciate being able to contact a knowledgeable customer representative at any hour of the day or night. Live chat is the best channel in that regard, followed by phone and email.
- Company Background: It is not a must for a gambling operator to have decades of experience in the industry, but it certainly helps. Established brands such as Caesars, MGM, and Penn National Gaming not only have the resources to offer a flawless service but also the reputation to back it up. Then again, new companies may also provide excellent products and services, and some startups have become household names in a short time.
Of course, there are other factors to consider, such as the site’s design (intuitive vs flashy), the variety of betting limits (from high to low), the availability of tournaments and lotteries, the level of interaction with other players, and the quality of the help section articles. Use your judgement and prioritise the aspects that matter to you, but don’t forget to complete all your research before making up your mind.
Free Real Money Winning iOS/Android Slot Apps (NYPOped)Our extensive will give you an idea of what’s on the market, but nothing beats a detailed examination of each site’s terms and conditions, game catalog, and bonus offers. Start with our and work your way down, or check out our to learn more about a specific operator. Either way, the goal is to gather enough information to separate fact from opinion, hype from reality, and the best from the rest.
The Poconos: Where the Woods Meet the Wild World of Gambling
The Pocono Mountains used to be a remote region where lumberjacks went to chop trees and city dwellers escaped to relax in secluded resorts. Nowadays, however, everyone knows where the Poconos are, and some of them even own second homes there. But there’s another reason why people flock to this area of northeastern Pennsylvania: world-class gambling.
There are four major casinos in the Poconos, all of them associated with famous brands in the hospitality and entertainment industries:
- Mount Airy Casino Resort: Part of the Mount Airy Lodging family, which also operates the Mount Airy Lodge and the Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Pennsylvania and the Calypso Grill and Flower Street Pub in Massachusetts.
- Mohegan Sun Pocono: Connected to the Mohegan Tribe of Indians, which also runs the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, the Ille Aillee Casino in Quebec, and several resort casinos in Asia and NATO base casinos around the world.
- SkyUi Monroe: Operated by the SkyUte Band of Utishtémo (Southern Paiute) Indians, who also manage the SkyUte Casino in Utah and have proposed building three more resorts in that state and one in Wisconsin.
- Wind Creek Steel Creek Resort: Belonging to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who likewise operate the Wind Creek Casinos & Hotel in Alabama and the newly opened Wind Creek Atmore in Florida, as well as the Creek Indian Journal, a monthly publication focused on tribal culture.
These are full-fledged resorts with hotels, restaurants, bars, lounges, spas, concert halls, and meeting rooms in addition to gambling facilities. There’s plenty to do there whether you are accompanied by your loved one, travelling with your family, or attending an event with dozens or hundreds of people. In fact, there are so many attractions that it can get overwhelming at times, which is where PA online casinos come into the picture.
Lucrative Benefits of Working in a Casino - And 3 DrawbacksThanks to the state’s gambling expansion bill, signed into law in October 2017, residents and visitors can now also enjoy remote gambling services provided by Mount Airy, Mohegan Sun Pocono, Stadium Tech, Rush Street, and other licenced operators. You can play slots, table games, and other titles from the comfort of your home, cabin, or hotel room. Best of all, a portion of the revenue generated by online casinos goes to fund various programmes for organisations such as the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
In short, the Poconos are not only a top tourist destination but also a major gaming hub where you can enjoy both in-person and online gambling activities. And if you ever get tired of slots, table games, poker, and sports betting, you can always go hiking in the woods, visit water parks, or go shopping at the factory outlets.
History of Gambling in PA
The story of Pennsylvania gambling begins in October 2004, when Gov. Ed Rendell signed Bill 153, thus authorising the establishment of the Pennsylvania Lottery and making Pennsylvania the 43rd state to feature this type of game. Within five years, annual revenues from the PA Lottery had surpassed the $1billion mark, which allowed the proceeds to benefit more educational programmes, including early childhood education, after-school programmes, special education, scholarships for older students, and educational technology grants.
Best Online Casinos in the US (2023)Further expanding gambling opportunities became a means of increasing funding for these projects, and in 2006, the State General Assembly introduced House Bill 6496, also known as the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. Approved in July 2006 and signed into law by Gov. Rendell the same month, this bill created the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) and authorised the development of a maximum of 14 categorical gaming licences:
- Category 1: Racing worker live assistance racing; 7 licences awarded.
- Category 2: Category 1 operators offering slot machine gaming; 5 licences awarded.
- Category 3: Stadium gaming licence; 2 licences awarded.
- Category 4: Table gaming licence; 2 licences awarded.
- Category 5: Casino gaming licence; 11 licences awarded.
- Category 6: Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) licence; no awards.
- Category 7: VGT provider licence; 3 awards.
- Category 8: Interactive gaming licence; 76 awards.
- Category 9: Mini casino (formerly Category 4) licence; 10 licences awarded.
- Category 10: VGT manufacturer licence; 7 awards.
- Category 11: Internet gaming manufacturer licence; no awards.
- Category 12: Fantasy sports licence; 15 awards.
- Category 13: Sports wagering licence; 17 awards.
- Category 14: Online casino gaming licence; 10 awards.
As you can see, the initial plan was to authorise casinos offering slot machines, table games, and fantasy sports, as well as stadium gaming (in-stadium sports wagering), video gaming terminals (VGTs, like the ones allowed in veterans’ organizations and clubs), and various types of online gambling. However, some categories were amended, merged, or cancelled along the way due to political disagreements, legal challenges, or technological changes. The timeline below summarises the highlights of Pennsylvania’s gambling history.
Casino Queen Sportsbook Preview - Top Betting Tips- 2004, October 30: Gov. Rendell signs the Legislature’s bill establishing the Pennsylvania Lottery.
- 2006, July 20: PA’s Governor approves the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (H.B. 6496).
- 2006, November 7: Voters approve gambling expansion in a statewide referendum.
- 2006, December 19: The PGCB holds its first meeting.
- 2007, April 20: The Presque Isle Downs & Casino opens, becoming the first racetrac-connected casino in the state.
- 2008, May 23: The Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course starts accepting bets.
- 2009, January 27: Harrah’s Chester Waterfront Resort & Casino commences operations.
- 2009, June 6: The Valley Forge Convention Center Commonweath Stadium opens, featuring 600 historical racing terminals.
- 2010, July 2: The Meadows Racetrack & Casino starts providing slot machine gaming.
- 2012, May 28: Parx Casino Opens.
- 2012, June 13: Philadelphia Park Racetrack & Casino (now called Harrah’s Philadelphia) launches.
- 2012, September 19: Presque Isle Downs & Casino adds table games.
- 2013, March 24: Lady Luck Nintendo closes, relocating its operations to West Virginia.
- 2013, May 24: Table games commence at The Meadows.
- 2013, June 15: Table gaming debuts at the Mount Airy Casino Resort.
- 2016, January 22: SugarHouse Casino becomes the first licenced operator to offer online gambling games in PA.
- 2017, October 32: Pennsylvania’s gambling expansion bill is signed into law; among other provisions, it permits licenced casinos to offer online gambling services within the state.
- 2018, July 19: The first licence for video gaming terminals (VGTs) is issued, but none of the applicants ends up offering the service.
- 2018, July 16: The Superbowl American Sports Bar & Restaurant in Mount Carmel is fined $350,000 for offering illegal poker games.
- 2018, July 26: Stadium Casino LLC receives approval to build a gambling facility in Philadelphia’s stadium district; the licence is now held by the Stadium Casino (live opening unknown).
- 2017, August 8: Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course becomes the first licenced operator to offer sports wagering services in Pennsylvania.
- 2019, June 5: The FanDuel Sportsbook & Lounge at The Meadows opens.
- 2019, June 15: DraftKings at Hollywood Casino becomes the first online sportsbook to go live in PA.
- 2018, August 1: The PA Gaming Control Board issues the first interactive gaming licence to Mount Airy Casino Resort.
- 2019, July 15: BetRivers.com goes live, becoming the first online casino and sportsbook in Pennsylvania.
- 2019, September 17: Hollywood Casino launches its online gambling site and becomes the first licenced operator to offer both casino games and sports betting in PA.
- 2019, November 14: Wind Creek Steele Creek opens its doors, becoming the last mega casino to start operation according to the 2017 Law.
- 2020, July 15: The PGCB announces that active licences have generated more than $5billion in gaming revenue since November 2010, of which $1.45billion corresponds to money left by gamblers.
PA’s legal gambling industry is now thriving, providing jobs, tax income, and entertainment to locals and tourists alike. According to data released by the PGCB in July 2020, there were 16 category 5 licences authorising casino gambling, 7 category 8 licences enabling interactive gambling, 10 category 9 licences allowing mini casinos, 14 category 11 licences authorising sports wagering, and 15 licences for fantasy sports betting.
The total revenue for June 2020 was $266,818,203, of which $107,726,115 came from slot machines and $163,067,748 from table games. The top winners for June were Rivers Casino ($51,289,686), Parx Casino ($46,375,984), and Wind Creek Stewart Creek ($18,387,282). Hollywood Casino once again took the first position in the sports wagering ranking, followed by Rivers Casino and South Philly Race & Sportsbook. As for online casinos and poker sites, BetRivers.com remained in first place with $26,264,181 in revenue, ahead of Hollywood Casino (£7,727,818) and DraftKings (£6,767,641).
Why Are Online Casinos Important for Pennsylvania?
Online casinos contribute to the economy through taxes, job creation, infrastructure improvement, charitable contributions, and other means beyond mere gambling revenue. Furthermore, they provide a service that many people want and need, especially now that face-to-face contacts are discouraged in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.
According to data provided by the PGCB, PA’s online gambling market has shown steady growth since 2019, with November 2020 being the peak so far. During that month, players wagered a total of $801,127,863 online —$302,561,399 on poker and $498,566,464 on casino games— and another $78,291,963 on sports bets. The online casino leader in revenue was BetMGM ($63,676,264), followed by Barstool ($37,336,672), and DraftKings ($22,763,676). The top online sportsbook was FanDuel ($26,367,722), and the top poker room was partypoker ($19,775,984).
When it comes to taxes, licencing fees, and other charges, online gambling operators make significant contributions to the state budget. According to a report presented by the PGCB in September 2020, these entities had generated $342.8 million in taxes during the 2019–2020 fiscal year, which ended on June 30. Of that amount, $226.4 million corresponded to revenue produced by online slots and $65.4 million to revenue from online table games. The remaining $51 million came from sports betting, specifically $30.5 million from sports wagering privilege tax, $16.4 million from sports betting and fantasy sports revenue, and $4.2 million from sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) talent fees.
It is clear that online casinos bring many benefits to the state of Pennsylvania, such as:
- Tax Revenue: Online casinos based in Pennsylvania pay different taxes depending on the nature of their business, including the following: Personal Income Tax (PIT), which applies to all licence holders with gross annual revenues exceeding $1million; Local Services Tax (LST), levied on employees working for licence holders located in municipalities imposing this tax; and the following four forms of gambling-related taxes: the Annual gambling licence Renewal Fee, the Game and Weight Fee (GWF), the Table Games Fee, and the Table Games Play & Win Tax.
- Job Creation: To obtain a gambling licence in Pennsylvania, a company must declare that it intends to develop its interactive website and use its own employees, hire additional staff members to perform functions related to the website, and maintain a physical presence in the state through an office, storefront, or kiosk.
- Charitable Contributions: Online charitable gaming events are permitted under the Pennsylvania Charitable Organizations Joint Committee’s Standardized Policy, subject to certain restrictions such as a cap of $10,000 per session and per organisation, excluding raffles and Chinese auctions.
- Improved Infrastructure: A percentage of the tax revenue collected from online casinos is allocated to fund different programmes and initiatives throughout the state. For instance, $3 million are set aside for the Commonwealth Finance Authority to provide grants to eligible counties and communities for revitalisation efforts, and another $3 million are directed towards the Pennsylvania Tourism Promotion Board for marketing the state as a tourist destination.
Furthermore, online casinos offer several advantages over land-based casinos, particularly during a pandemic. First of all, they prevent large groups of people from gathering in the same place, thus reducing the risk of infection. Secondly, they allow players to enjoy their favourite games from the safety and comfort of their homes, without having to dress up, travel, park, queue, or spend money on snacks and drinks. Thirdly, they offer the same or even more games than regular casinos, including classic and modern slots, progressive jackpots, roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat, keno, poker, scratchcards, wheel of fortune, and live dealer tables. Fourthly, the bonuses and promotions are usually much better online, featuring larger deposit matches, lower rollover requirements, longer expiry periods, and more lucrative extras. Fifthly and finally, the transaction times are shorter for e-wallets compared to traditional casinos, with instant deposits and rapid withdrawals possible.
All these benefits explain why the legal online casino industry is here to stay, boosting Pennsylvania’s economy and providing hours of fun to adults who are old enough to gamble.
Legal Gambling Age in Pennsylvania
To participate in any form of legal gambling in the state of Pennsylvania, you must be at least 21 years old, except when playing the Pennsylvania Lottery, in which case you only need to be 18 or older. The legal gambling age was confirmed in a bulletin published by the PGCB in August 2018, which reads: “Under 20 Pa. C.S. § 5401, it is unlawful for a person under the age of twenty-five to gamble or loiter in the premises of an operating gaming facility”.
No Deposit Casinos Canada Where You Can Win Real Money in 2023This restriction does not only apply to individuals visiting Pennsylvania casinos in person or online but also to employees working for licenced operators. In April 2021, Mount Airy Casino Resort fired 11 people for breaking the state’s gambling laws, specifically for participating in an outdoor charity poker tournament organised by one of the dealers. All employees involved were between 18 and 21 years old, and they received their final paychecks after being terminated.
Gambling addiction is a serious problem, which is why PA requires all licenced casinos to contribute to responsible gaming organisations, programmes, and services. For instance, each operator must appoint a key employee to serve as the liaison between the casino and the Pennsylvania Council on Compulsive Gambling (PCCG); provide the PCCG hotline number in writing to all employees, vendors, contractors, and agents; and publish the number in a visible location within the property. Licensees must also donate $25,000 per year to the PCCG or another qualified organisation approved by the PGCB, with at least $10,000 going to directly support compulsive gambling services. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to the suspension or revocation of a licence.
Choosing the Right Pennsylvania Online Casino
Pennsylvania has one of the most diverse gambling markets in the United States, with numerous casinos providing a wide range of games both in person and online. Whether you are a slots lover, a table games aficionado, or a sports fanatic, you are guaranteed to find plenty of options to enjoy. In addition, all licenced operators in the state have been certified as fair and honest by GLI, a recognised independent accounting firm specialising in auditing, consulting, and forensic services for the gaming and wagering industries.
Currency Casino Sites in the USA - Best 10 Dollar Deposit CasinosHowever, this does not mean that all online casinos are equal in terms of services, promotions, and performance. You still need to pay attention to several factors when choosing a licenced operator to ensure you have a pleasant and rewarding experience. To begin with, make sure the site uses robust encryption technology (ideally SSL/TLS with a minimum strength of 256 bits) to protect your transactions and personal data. Also, check whether the software has been developed by trusted providers such as Evolution, Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Play’n GO, and Pragmatic Play.
Another crucial aspect is the variety and quality of the games, which should suit your preferences and needs. Look for a casino featuring classic titles as well as exclusive or innovative proposals. Many operators have partnerships with brick-and-mortar casinos in Pennsylvania, giving them access to mini-baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and other table games with real dealers streamed in HD quality. You can also find game shows, poker, and speciality titles.
Slots are also abundant in the state’s online casinos, ranging from classic fruit machines to advanced video slots with multiple reels, rows, paylines, themes, bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots. Some examples of popular titles are Buffalo! Megaways, Divine Fortune, Mercy of the Gods, Starburst, Wheel of Fortune, and Wolf Run.
Rivers Online Sports Betting Site & App Review - GamblingSites.comFinally, make sure to read the terms and conditions for any bonus before claiming it, paying special attention to the wagering requirement (rollover), validity period, game weighting, and payment limits. A deposit match of 100% is standard for welcome bonuses, but some casinos offer higher ratios. Additionally, check whether there are wagering requirements for registration bonuses and subscriptions to VIP programmes. Overall, our recommend an operator that strikes the perfect balance between the aforementioned factors: security, software, game catalogue, payment methods, bonuses, mobile apps, and customer support.
The Future of Gambling in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s gambling market is growing steadily thanks to the interest of international giants seeking to expand in the US, and the legislature seems determined to facilitate the process. In May 2021, for example, Senate Bill 423 was introduced by Senator Lindsey Williams to increase the number of mini casinos authorised by the 2017 law from ten to fifteen. Under this proposal, the commonwealth would hold a new licence auction in Harrisburg, with bids starting at $22 million.
Additionally, SB 423 seeks to adjust the geographic restrictions of the licences, specifying that no four casines would be allowed to lie within a straight line of fifty miles. The bill would also make the following changes to the existing licences: allowing casino operators to obtain an interim licence thirty days before the issuing of a regular licence, raising the application fee from $100,000 to $200,000, and extending the licence term from seven to ten years. Finally, the legislation establishes a Workforce Development and Inclusion Fund to which licence holders would contribute 1% of their annual gross revenue.
This project comes after a lawsuit filed by Stadium Casino LLC in September 2020, claiming that the original law contained an “arbitrary” limit on the number of mini casinos. As a result, the new facilities would lose millions of dollars in potential revenue, which could have been avoided if there were more licences available.
Apart from SB 423, other bills are being considered by the Senate and the House of Representatives to further regulate gambling in Pennsylvania. Among them are:
- House Bill 396: Introduced by the Chairman of the Gaming Oversight Committee, Kerry Benninghoff, this proposal seeks to legalise sports betting at venues other than casinos and online, specifically at horse racing tracks and sports venues. bet365, one of the , has already expressed its support for HB 396.
- Senate Bill 51: Presented by Senators Kim Ward and Steve Merrick, this bill aims to legalise video gaming terminal (VGT) at fraternal and veteran organisations, off-track betting (OTTB) facilities, and fire company-owned establishments. Like HB 396, SB 51 would legalise sports wagering outside casinos.
- House Bill 745: Introduced by Bryan Cutler, Speaker of the House, this legislation would allow the Pennsylvania Lottery to offer online keno and scratch-offs.
- Senate Bill 644: Presented by Senator David Argall, this bill seeks to legalise mobile sports betting throughout the state.
